New Ammo for Accountants in Battle Against Stereotypes
While some accountants may still match this less-than-flattering description, most in the profession find this image frustrating and outdated. Luckily for them, new statistics prove that accounting really is a dynamic, fulfilling and forward-thinking career choice.A popular graduate advice site reports that accountancy firms are looking to attract fresh graduates and will provide roughly a quarter (23%) of all graduate jobs in 2010. The jobs will offer an attractive average salary of ÷£25,000.
The figures follow a survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters and suggest that, far from being a profession to avoid, accountancy jobs are highly sought after and can be be an excellent stepping stone to other professional positions.
Accountants are not merely "bean counters" - they must also possess a range of other professional and personal skills, all of which can be transferred to other professions. Self-discipline, determination and a keen attention to detail are essential, and are qualities that all employers value.
A good accountant also needs to be adaptable, a good team player and possess excellent communication skills. After all, explaining complex numerical data to people who perhaps aren"t quite as mathematically gifted is not an easy task.
The idea that accountants spend their lives in dark, dingy offices is also well wide of the mark. Accountants have the chance to work for any company, in any industry, anywhere in the world. Indeed, accountants often work in vibrant, multi-cultural settings and have a great deal of travel opportunities - something that not all professions can offer.
Accountancy is by no means an easy profession to get into. The training is tough, and budding accountants have to decide early on whether they want to specialise in "taxation" or "audit and assurance". Those who succeed, however, are invariably rewarded with a handsome salary, an interesting work schedule and excellent employment prospects.
It may take some time for accountancy to completely shake off its old reputation, but the signs are that it is definitely heading in the right direction. An injection of young graduates into the profession will certainly help to boost its image in the short term.
And even though careers in law and medicine continue to be hugely popular, accountancy is fast proving that it can be just as exciting and challenging a career option.